(08:45) SANTA CRUZ – A civil lawsuit has been filed against the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and the California Forensic Medical Group in connection with the death of a Live Oak woman. Last September, 23-year-old Krista DeLuca was arrested and booked into county jail on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs and five outstanding warrants. While in custody, DeLuca died of complications related to opiate withdrawal. A lawsuit has since been filed on behalf of DeLuca’s 2-year-old daughter. The suit claims that jail officials violated DeLuca’s right to appropriate and reasonable medical care. The lawsuit is seeking restitution to pay for DeLuca’s funeral expenses and damages for her daughter. (S.G.)
